The Hindu : Talks will not succeed without us: Pakistan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 20, 2004

International

International - India & World

Talks will not succeed without us: Pakistan

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 19. Pakistan today said that no talks on Kashmir could succeed without its involvement.

The Foreign Office spokesman, Masood Khan, was responding to questions from reporters on the scheduled talks between the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, and the Hurriyat delegation on January 22.

However, Mr. Khan evaded a direct reply to a question whether Pakistan would extend an invitation to the Ansari faction of Hurriyat to visit Islamabad for consultation. Mr. Khan said Pakistan expected all Kashmiris to put up a united front and represent the aspirations of people.

On continued ``repression'' in Kashmir, Mr. Khan said, ``the situation in Kashmir remains a matter of concern and we hope that when we commence the dialogue process, we discuss all issues including the human rights.''

Pakistan's position was very clear and consistent. Dismissing reports of some ``compromise on the aspirations of the people'', Mr. Khan said, ``we are surprised. There would be no compromise on the realisation of the rights of the Kashmiris.''

On India's fencing of the border, he said, ``we have informed the United Nations.'' On starting a composite dialogue with India, Mr. Khan said ``the dates, venue and the agenda are being worked out through diplomatic channels.''He said the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, will visit Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum between January 22 and 24 and also visit Turkey.

Willing to host talks

Mr. Khan said Pakistan was willing to host technical-level talks with India in March on the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar and Kokhrapar-Munabao bus services.

``Pakistan has offered to host technical-level talks on the Kokhrapar-Munabao service on March 8-9 and Muzaffarabad-Srinagar service on March 29-30. We have to work out the modalities,'' he said. Islamabad is worried that a bus service on both sides would effectively render the LoC an international border by requiring people to carry passports and visas to travel through their own region. At the same time it is in no position to negate the suggestion in view of pressure from the people of Kashmir on both sides.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Iraqi Shias demand early direct elections

N-links: Pak. probe at 'conclusive stage'

A tense wait in Iowa

`Musharraf has failed to check extremists'

Belgian move to ban scarves, crosses

Global meet calls for equitable trade regime

Extension unlikely for 9/11 panel

First cloned baby on the way, claims doctor

SLFP, JVP to sign pact today

Talks will not succeed without us: Pakistan